M.S.R. Leathers v. S. Palaniappan & Anr.
Supreme Court of India(2013) 1 SCC 177The Supreme Court held that a second or further presentation of a cheque within the validity period of the instrument does not give rise to a fresh cause of action under S.138. The cause of action arises only on the first dishonour, after which the statutory notices and timelines begin to run. A fresh dishonour on second presentation does not restart the 30-day notice clock. However, the holder may still present the cheque again — the dishonour must be followed by the same procedural steps triggered at the time of first dishonour.